| How will the new federal laws on air conditioning affect me as a home owner?
In January 2006, the minimum efficiency level for all new central
air conditioners manufactured in the U. S. was raised from 10 SEER to 13 SEER.
Q What is SEER?
A SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency ratio”. The U. S.
Department of Energy uses this to measure the efficiency of air conditioners.
In 1992 it was raised to 10 and remained at that level until January 2006,
when it raised to 13. Simply put the higher the SEER rating the less it
costs to run your air conditioner.
Q What does the new standard mean for me the homeowner?
A The new 13 SEER regulation does not affect a homeowner’s
current air conditioner. However, it will affect homeowners from now on.
Here are a few of the ways it will affect homeowners:
- 10 to 12 SEER systems will be a thing of the past because they can
no longer be manufactured. However, they can be sold for a limited time
based on present inventory.
- The home owner will be saving money because the cost of operating
a 13 SEER system will be less. For example a 13 SEER system is 30% more
efficient than a 10 SEER system. The older the system the less likely
it is operating at maximum efficiency. So a 5 year old 10 SEER may be
operating at a 9 SEER. You can do the math as the system gets older.
The current rate for Savannah peak time (summer) is 9.98cents per KW.
Using the average size system of 3 tons, this relates to a savings of
$241 a year (in cooling mode only, heating season brings more savings)
for this example.
- As SEER ratings increase the technology advances. Typically a higher
SEER rating will equate to more comfort, reliability and convenience.
- Expect to pay more. Higher SEER ratings and more technology will cost
more up front because the cost to manufacture the equipment will be more.
Q How can I as the homeowner use the information on SEER ratings?
A The U. S. Department of Energy recommends that you select
the highest SEER rating you can afford. A good contractor can calculate
your return on investment over the life of the system. Many times the
higher SEER rated system will more than pay for itself within 5 to 7 years.
The size of the home, insulation and geography will play a part in the
calculation.
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